Ryan’s POV
I’d never imagined Kane would be this bold. Sitting at my desk reviewing the reports Simon had just delivered, I could feel my jaw clenching tighter with each page I turned. That bastard was actually using his Blackwood Group shares to broker deals with the Vergara family.
If any of these half-baked sches failed—which they inevitably would with Kane’s track record—it wouldn’t just be his reputation on the line. The entire Blackwood Group could face serious blowback.
I caught Simon nervously glancing at , clearly gauging my darkening mood.
"Contact Lucian," I said, keeping my voice deliberately controlled. "I need a private eting. Tonight."
"Right away, Mr. Blackwood," Simon nodded, quickly stepping out.
---
By evening, Lucian and I sat in a private tea room downtown.
Lucian poured himself so tea with practiced elegance before finally breaking the silence.
"So, Mr. Blackwood," he said, his voice casual but eyes watchful, "what’s so urgent you needed to et in private?"
"The grudge between you and Kane," I replied, watching his reaction carefully. "It’s still unresolved, isn’t it?"
His hand paused mid-air, teacup halfway to his lips. He looked up at with sudden interest.
"As if you don’t already know," he said dryly.
"I’ve heard the details," I acknowledged, "but I also know Celestial Gems doesn’t have enough influence in New York yet. And with Kane now backed by the Vergara family, you can’t touch him."
Lucian scoffed. "I’ll have my revenge eventually. It’s not your concern."
I took a slow sip of my tea, letting the tension build. The fragrant aroma filled my senses, but it did nothing to ease the cold calculation now evident in Lucian’s expression.
"Is this really all you wanted to discuss tonight?" he asked, losing patience.
"Surely you don’t think I’m here to defend my so-called uncle?" I replied.
Lucian laughed harshly. "That would be the day."
"On the contrary," I set my cup down with purpose. "I want to help you, Mr. West."
His eyebrow arched in surprise. "You’ve always stayed clear of our feud. What changed?" His eyes narrowed. "Kane’s done sothing, hasn’t he? Sothing that’s finally crossed your line."
He was sharp—I’d give him that.
"I see no point in hiding it," I said, leaning forward slightly. "Kane frad your parents, destroyed your family. I can provide all the evidence you need."
"Together, we can put him away sooner rather than later."
Lucian’s eyes flashed with sothing dangerous. "You’re actually willing to work with ?"
I nodded once. "Let’s put our past disagreents behind us. They only happened because Kane manipulated you."
Despite my olive branch, Lucian remained cautious. I could practically see his mind working through the implications.
"Mr. Blackwood, I don’t understand why you’d go this far," he said slowly. "Even if Kane’s challenging your authority, couldn’t you just strip him of his responsibilities? Send him to manage so distant branch office where he can’t cause trouble?"
He was testing , wanting reassurance that I wouldn’t turn on him later.
I considered my words carefully before responding. So truths needed to be shared to cent this alliance.
"Kane orchestrated the car accident that killed my parents," I said, my voice dropping to a deadly calm. "That’s why I shattered his legs. Does that answer your question, Mr. West?"
Lucian froze, genuine shock registering on his face. He clearly hadn’t expected this level of blood feud between uncle and nephew.
"I apologize, Mr. Blackwood. I didn’t an to bring up painful mories," he said quietly.
"It’s fine. If Kane had stayed in the rehabilitation center where he belonged, I might have left him alone. But he used my grandmother’s sympathy to return to New York and sohow secured shares in the Blackwood Group." My voice hardened. "Now he’s married into the Vergara family, planning to leverage our company’s shares for his sches. If I let this continue, he’ll destroy everything my family built."
Lucian nodded slowly. "I understand completely. Let’s proceed as you suggested."
"Kane will pay dearly for what he’s done. I owe that much to my parents."
---
It was well past midnight when I returned ho. The mont I stepped into the living room, I spotted Serena asleep on the couch, her face peaceful despite the awkward position.
"Welco ho, Mr. Blackwood," our housekeeper greeted quietly.
I frowned, gesturing toward Serena. "Why is she sleeping here?"
The housekeeper sighed. "Mrs. Blackwood insisted on waiting for you. None of us could persuade her otherwise."
Without another word, I removed my coat and approached her. She didn’t stir at all as I moved closer—she must have been exhausted.
I carefully lifted her into my arms, carrying her upstairs to our bedroom. As I placed her on the bed, her eyes fluttered open.
"Ryan? You’re ho?" she murmured, rubbing her eyes and sitting up groggily.
"Why were you sleeping downstairs? You could catch cold," I chided gently, sitting beside her.
Serena smiled sleepily. "I didn’t realize you’d be so late. I was wide awake earlier... I just dozed off."
"I’ll be more mindful of the ti next ti."
I loosened my tie, feeling the day’s tension still knotted in my shoulders.
"What’s keeping you so busy lately?" she asked. "You’re coming ho later and later. I’m in the third trister now—what if I suddenly go into labor when you’re not here?"
My hands froze mid-motion, alarm shooting through as I turned to examine her face. "Are you feeling unwell? I’ll have Dr. Lay co check on you tomorrow."
"I was just saying," she laughed softly. "Look how worried you got."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied my face. "You look exhausted. Have you been skipping als again?"
Since returning from London, Serena had barely visited her studio. Not from lack of passion for her work, but because her pregnancy was now making it difficult for her to sit at a drawing table for long periods. Even the slightest strain caused her back pain. She took no chances with our baby’s wellbeing, choosing instead to rest at ho.
"It’s nothing serious," I assured her. "Just work matters."
She humd skeptically. "It’s Kane, isn’t it? Now that he’s married Tiffany, I bet he’s making all sorts of moves. Is dealing with him what’s wearing you down?"
I hesitated before deciding she deserved to know sothing. Otherwise, she’d just worry more.
"I t with Lucian tonight," I explained, giving her an abbreviated version of our conversation.
"So you’re finally joining forces?" Her face brightened visibly. "That’s good. The sooner you deal with Kane, the sooner we can stop worrying about what he might do next."
Relief softened her features, which was exactly what I’d hoped for.
"Exactly," I smiled, reaching out to touch her rounded belly. "Your only job is to focus on giving a beautiful daughter or energetic son."
She grinned. "Yes, sir, Mr. Blackwood. How could I possibly disobey such an order?"
"Still, I’m having Dr. Lay co tomorrow for a checkup."
Serena nodded, not arguing this ti.
After a quick shower, I returned to find her already asleep again. The mont I slipped into bed, she instinctively moved closer, nestling against my chest in that way that always made her feel secure.
I couldn’t help smiling as I wrapped my arm around her waist, feeling our child between us, and thinking that everything I was doing—everything I would ever do—was to protect them both.
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